Transaction cards with tactile features and methods of making and using thereof

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure generally relates to transaction cards, such as, but not limited to, credit cards, transaction cards, debit cards and any other type of transaction cards having tactile features, and methods of making such payment instruments.

BACKGROUND OF TECHNOLOGY

Transaction cards, such as credit cards, transaction cards, debit cards, gift cards, and other cards used for payments or other transactions typically are made from a monolithic piece of material, such as plastic or metal. The faces of each side of the card typically has a smooth surface, sometimes with raised letters or numbers to identify account information. However, such cards don't provide tactile features and, for example, may be difficult for those with visual impairments to identify and use, for example, if the card issuer or account information is not readily identifiable by means other than sight.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a product includes a card having a front face, a back face and a payment-enabling mechanism, where the front face is opposite to the back face; account information disposed on the front face, the back face, or both, in a tactile writing system; and one or more card identification texture strips disposed on the front face, the back face, or both. The one or more card identification texture strips each comprise at least one region having a texture pattern different from a base texture of the card, the texture pattern comprises a roughness texture pattern, and the texture pattern is unique to an issuer of the card.

In some embodiments, a product includes a card having a front face, a back face and a payment-enabling mechanism, where the front face is opposite to the back face. Two card identification texture strips are disposed on the card, where the two card identification texture strips each comprise a region of the front face, the back face, or both, the region having a texture pattern different from a base texture of the card, and the texture pattern comprises a roughness texture pattern and is unique to an issuer of the card.

In some embodiments, a method for making a product includes etching a texture pattern into one or more regions on a front face, a back face or both, of a card to form one or more card identification texture strips, where the texture pattern includes a roughness texture pattern, is different from a base texture of the card, and is unique to an issuer of the card, and where the one or more card identification texture strips extend across a width of the card. The method further including embossing a tactile writing system on the front face, the back face, or both, where the tactile writing system comprises account information associated with the card.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be further explained with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating examples of the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as examples for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ one or more example embodiments.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-4</figref> show one or more schematic diagrams and/or illustrations that depict some example aspects of at least some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various detailed example embodiments of the present disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples. In addition, the examples given in connection with the various example embodiments are intended only as examples that are not restrictive.

Throughout the specification, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment” and “in some embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in another embodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

In addition, the term “based on” is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1 through 4</figref> relate to embodiments of an example transaction card with tactile markings. A transaction card, according to some example embodiments, uses texturing and/or tactile writing to facilitate identification of a particular card to a user by touch. Thus, the user may not need not see the card and the identifying features thereon, but may rather, e.g., feel the texturing to identify the card from amongst other cards, and feel the tactile writing system to ascertain the card information, such as account information and user information. The texture and the tactile writing system may be configured to facilitate easy recognition of the card and card information without interfering with payment-enabling mechanisms, such as, e.g., EMV chips, radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, magnetic stripes, or any other type of payment enabling mechanisms.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a diagram of a transaction card with tactile identifying features in accordance with one or more example embodiments.

According to an example embodiment, a transaction card <b>10</b> may have a front face <b>11</b> and a payment enabling mechanism <b>114</b>, such as, e.g., an EMV chip on the front face <b>11</b>. The transaction card <b>10</b> may also include account information, e.g., an account holder identifier <b>106</b>, an account number <b>108</b>, etc., among other possible information related to the transaction card <b>10</b>, such as, card issuer, bank, credit service, expiration data, security number, issuance date, among other information.

In an example embodiment, the front face <b>11</b> may include a tactile writing system in place of, or in addition to the visually represented account holder identifier <b>106</b> and/or account number <b>108</b>. Thus, in an example embodiment, the transaction card <b>10</b> includes a tactile account holder identifier <b>110</b>, a tactile account number <b>112</b>, or both, each represented in the tactile writing system. The tactile writing system can include a way of writing that is readily understandable by touch for those that have learned to read it. Thus, the tactile writing system can include any method of encoding language, such as the English language and/or numbers, in a fashion that is decodable through touching the tactile writing system. For example, in an embodiment, the tactile writing system can include Braille, Moon type, triangular alphabet, Night writing, Decapoint, among other tactile alphabets.

In an example embodiment, the tactile writing system can be embossed into the front face <b>11</b> such that symbols of the tactile writing system are formed by depressing portions of the transaction card <b>10</b> into the transaction card <b>10</b> beyond the front face <b>11</b> while leaving a pattern corresponding to the symbols of the tactile writing system with a height that aligns tops of the symbols with the plane of the front face <b>11</b>. Thus, the symbols are pressed into the transaction card <b>10</b> to form the three-dimensional shape. Alternatively, however, the symbols can have raised shapes on the front face <b>11</b> of the transaction card <b>10</b>, so that the shapes rise above the front face <b>11</b>. Other methods of forming tactile symbols of a tactile writing system are contemplated.

In some example embodiments, a visually legible writing of an account holder identification <b>106</b> and a tactile account holder identification <b>110</b> may be directly adjacent to each other, or may be separate from each other. In other embodiments, the account holder identification <b>106</b> and the tactile account holder identification <b>110</b> may be at least partially co-located such that the tactile account holder identification <b>110</b> is disposed in a same region as the account holder identification <b>106</b>. Similarly, in some embodiments, the account number <b>108</b> and the tactile account number <b>112</b> may be at least partially co-located, adjacent to each other, or separate from each other.

To facilitate ease of reading, in an example embodiment, the account holder identification <b>106</b> and/or the account number <b>108</b> may have a size readable with a finger of an individual. Possible sizes may include an equivalent to, e.g., a 12 point font (e.g., about ⅙ inches in height of an x character), or about 10 point font, or about 8 point font. In an example embodiment, the tactile account holder identification <b>110</b> and/or the tactile account number <b>112</b> can include Braille at a Marburg Medium size, e.g., about 10 millimeters (mm) (about 0.4 inches) with line space of about 10 mm, with each dot having a height above the front face <b>11</b> of about 0.48 mm (about 0.019 inches) and a base diameter of about 1.44 mm (about 0.057 inches). Other sizes or measurements may be used. In some example embodiments, to facilitate fitting information on the front face <b>11</b>, the tactile writing system may include symbols that each occupy an area equivalent to, e.g., about 12 point font, about 10 point font, or about 8 point font, or other suitable size to fit on the transaction card <b>10</b> while maintaining readability, as measured by a height of a cell of Braille dots.

In an example embodiment, to facilitate a user quickly and easily identifying the transaction card <b>10</b> from amongst a plurality of other transaction cards <b>10</b>, the front face <b>11</b> (or the back face <b>22</b>, or both the front face and the back face) may include an upper texture strip <b>102</b> or a lower texture strip <b>104</b>, or both that have textures different from a base texture of card. In some embodiments, upper and/or lower texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> are each formed from a texture used to identify the transaction card <b>10</b>. The texture can be defined by one or more of various attributes related to deviations from the plane formed by the front face <b>11</b> of the transaction card <b>10</b>. For example, the texture can include a degree of roughness, a degree of waviness, a lay, and patterns of variation thereof across the upper and lower texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b>. Herein, the term roughness refers to total spaced surface irregularities with respect to the front face. The surface irregularities can include a size in each of the width x, height y and thickness z dimensions, as well as a density of surface irregularities, each of which can be varied to adjust roughness. Herein, the term waviness refers to surface irregularities with a spacing greater than that of surface roughness, such as, e.g., warps, deflections, waves, among other surface irregularities covering a larger area than the surface irregularities causing roughness. Similar to roughness, the waviness can be characterized by a size in each of the width x, height y and thickness z dimensions, as well as a density of the surface irregularities. Herein, the term lay refers to a direction of a predominant surface pattern, including, e.g., a patterned arrangement caused by roughness, waviness, or both.

In some embodiments, a texture defined by waviness is formed in the upper and lower texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b>, and then a surface roughness is formed on top of the waviness. For example, a longitudinally extending bump can extend across the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> in the height y direction. A series of such bumps can be formed across the width x direction of the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> to form waves. The waves can then be roughened with surface irregularities smaller than the bumps to incorporate two types of textures with height y oriented lay in the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b>.

According to some embodiments, the texture can include a pattern in the roughness, waviness or lay, or combinations thereof. For example, the above described waviness from longitudinal bumps can be in a periodic pattern defined by the spacing of the bumps across the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> in the width x direction, while the surface roughness can include zig-zag arrangements of surface irregularities to produce texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> having a compound texture pattern. However, in some embodiments, the texture can include a uniform distribution of surface irregularities to provide a texture defined by roughness according to the size, shape and density of the surface irregularities. Other combinations of surface roughness, waviness and lay are contemplated to provide texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> that uniquely identify the transaction card <b>10</b> by touch.

In some embodiments, to facilitate easy recognition by touch, the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> have a same texture pattern that is defined by surface roughness, and not waviness or lay. While defining texture by just one of surface roughness, waviness and lay reduces the degrees of freedom for uniquely identifying a card, it also reduces complexity, making the texture easier to identify. Thus, in some embodiments, the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> are textured to identify, e.g., the card issuer, such as, e.g., an issuing bank or financial services organization. Thus, a user can quickly and easily identify the transaction card <b>10</b> as “the Capital One™” card in the user's selection of cards.

However, in some embodiments, the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> can be textured based on, e.g., a type of card, such as a credit card, debit card, gift card, or other transaction card. In some embodiments, the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> are personalized such that every transaction card <b>10</b> in the user's selection has a unique texture configuration according to the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b>. Thus, the texture of the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> may be unique to a user's selection of transaction cards <b>10</b>, even though the texture may not be unique to all transaction cards <b>10</b> of all users. Furthermore, the user may customize the texture according to a desired texture pattern. For example, a user may prefer a surface roughness forming, e.g., spirals or concentric circles, on one transaction card <b>10</b>, and, e.g., squares or diamonds on another.

In some embodiments, the upper texture strip <b>102</b> and the lower texture strip <b>104</b> may include the same or different textures. The combination of a texture of the upper texture strip <b>102</b> and a texture of the lower texture strip <b>104</b> may be used to identify the transaction card <b>10</b>. However, in some embodiments, to facilitate quickly finding the transaction card <b>10</b>, both the upper texture strip <b>102</b> and the lower texture strip <b>104</b> may have a same texture with a same pattern of texture elements, e.g., surface roughness, waviness and lay. Where the upper texture strip <b>102</b> and the lower texture strip <b>104</b> have the same texture, the texture for the transaction card <b>10</b> can be easily determine irrespective of an orientation of the transaction card <b>10</b>, e.g., in a user's wallet, bag or pocket.

In some embodiments, to further facilitate quick and easy discovery of the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b>, and thus quick and easy identification of the transaction card <b>10</b>, the upper and lower texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> can have dimensions in the width x and height y that are configured to provide easy detections and sufficient space to discern the texture patterns relative to the front face <b>11</b> using, e.g., one finger. For example, some embodiments include an upper texture strip <b>102</b> and/or lower texture strip <b>104</b> extending across an entirety of the front face <b>11</b> with a width is the width in a y direction of a suitable size for tactile identification of the upper texture strip <b>102</b> and/or lower texture strip <b>104</b> against front face <b>11</b> using, e.g., one finger. Examples of the width may include a width in the range of between, e.g., about 1/10 inch and about 2 inches. However, other sizes are contemplated such that the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> do not interfere with the tactile account holder identifier <b>110</b>, tactile account number <b>112</b> or the payment enabling mechanism <b>114</b>. For example, because the texture can include a waviness and/or surface roughness, a texture strip overlapping the payment enabling mechanism <b>114</b> may obstruct the use of the payment enabling mechanism <b>114</b> during a payment action. Thus, the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> may have a size and location that does not overlap with the payment enabling mechanism <b>114</b>. The width x and height y of each of the upper and lower texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> may be the same or they may be different. In some embodiments, there is only an upper texture strip <b>102</b>. In some embodiments there is only a lower texture strip <b>104</b>. In some embodiments, there is a third, fourth, fifth, or other suitable number of texture strips in addition to the upper and lower texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b>.

Moreover, the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> and the textures thereof may have a size and location that fits within a card reader that uses the payment enabling mechanism <b>114</b> to complete a transaction upon a payment action, such as insertion of the transaction card <b>10</b> into the card reader, such as, e.g., an automated teller machine (ATM), point-of-service terminal with a chip reader or magnetic strip reader, or other card reading device.

In some embodiments, there is only one texture strip, such as, e.g., only the upper texture strip <b>102</b>, only the lower texture strip <b>104</b>, or a texture strip that is centrally located. While the texture strips <b>102</b> and <b>104</b> are depicted as extending across the transaction card <b>10</b> in a length direction x, other embodiments include texture strips that extend across the transaction card <b>10</b> in a height y direction. Other orientations and combinations of orientations of the texture strips are contemplated to facilitate quick and efficient recognition of the identifying texture. Moreover, while the front face <b>11</b> is depicted as having all of the upper texture strip <b>102</b>, account holder identifier <b>106</b>, tactile account holder identifier <b>110</b>, account number <b>108</b>, tactile account number <b>112</b>, lower texture strip <b>104</b> and payment enabling mechanism <b>114</b>, some or all of these features may be disposed on a back face, opposite to the front face <b>11</b>, or may not be present at all.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates a diagram of a transaction card with tactile identifying features in accordance with one or more example embodiments.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a transaction card <b>20</b> may have a back face <b>22</b> and a payment enable mechanism <b>216</b>, such as, e.g., a magnetic stripe on the back face <b>22</b>. The transaction card <b>20</b> may also include account information, e.g., an expiration date identifier <b>206</b> and a security code <b>208</b>, among other possible information related to the transaction card <b>20</b>, such as, card issuer, bank, credit service, account holder identifiers, account numbers, issuance date, among other information.

However, because, e.g., the expiration date identifier <b>206</b>, such as a date at which the transaction card <b>20</b> expires, and the security code <b>208</b> are legibly printed on the back face <b>22</b>, a user or card owner with a visual impairment may not be able to ascertain the information contained therein. For example, an account owner may need to use the security code <b>208</b> for an online or over the phone purchase. In another example, a merchant or cashier may need the expiration date identifier <b>206</b> and the security code to complete a transaction.

In an embodiment, the back face <b>22</b> may include a tactile writing system in place of, or in addition to the visually represented expiration date identifier <b>206</b> and security code <b>208</b>. Thus, in an embodiment, the transaction card <b>20</b> includes a tactile expiration date identifier <b>210</b> and a tactile security code <b>212</b>, each represented in the tactile writing system. The tactile writing system is a way of writing that is readily understandable by touch for that that have learned to read it. Thus, the tactile writing system can include any method of encoding language, such as the English language and numbers, e.g., the expiration date identifier <b>206</b> and the security code <b>208</b>, in a fashion that is decodable purely through touching the tactile writing system. For example, in an embodiment, the tactile writing system include Braille, Moon type, triangular alphabet, Night writing, Decapoint, among other tactile alphabets.

In an embodiment, the tactile writing system used for the tactile expiration date identifier <b>210</b> and the tactile security code <b>212</b> includes a set of three dimensional shapes. Each symbol of the tactile expiration date identifier <b>210</b> and the tactile security code <b>212</b> can have a length and width across the back face <b>22</b> relative to a width x and height y of the transaction card <b>20</b>, as well as a height above a plane formed by the back face <b>22</b> relative to a thickness z of the transaction card <b>20</b>. Thus, the tactile writing system can include two-dimensional shape in the width x and height y directions that is offset to a certain thickness z from the back face <b>22</b>. For example, the tactile writing system can be embossed into the back face <b>22</b> such that the symbols of the tactile writing system are formed by depressing portions of the transaction card <b>10</b> into the transaction card <b>10</b> beyond the back face <b>22</b> while leaving a pattern corresponding to the symbols of the tactile writing system with a height that aligns tops of the symbols with the plane of the back face <b>22</b>. Thus, the symbols are pressed into the transaction card <b>10</b> to form the three-dimensional shape. Alternatively, however, the symbols can be printed onto the back face <b>22</b> of the transaction card <b>10</b> to raise shapes above the back face <b>22</b>. Other methods of forming tactile symbols of a tactile writing system using a three-dimensional shape are contemplated.

However, to facilitate a user quickly and easily identifying the transaction card <b>20</b> from amongst a plurality of other transaction cards <b>20</b>, the back face <b>22</b> may also include an upper texture strip <b>202</b> or a lower texture strip <b>204</b>, or both that have textures different from a base texture of the back face <b>22</b> outside of the upper and lower texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b>. In some embodiments, the upper and lower texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> are each formed from a texture used to identify the transaction card <b>20</b>. The texture can be defined by one or more of various attributes related to deviations from the plane formed by the back face <b>22</b> of the transaction card <b>20</b>. For example, the texture can include a degree of roughness, a degree of waviness, a lay, and patterns of variation thereof across the upper and lower texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b>. Herein, the term roughness refers to total spaced surface irregularities with respect to the front face. The surface irregularities can include a size in each of the width x, height y and thickness z dimensions, as well as a density of surface irregularities, each of which can be varied to adjust roughness. Herein, the term waviness refers to surface irregularities with a spacing greater than that of surface roughness, such as, e.g., warps, deflections, waves, among other surface irregularities covering a larger area than the surface irregularities causing roughness. Similar to roughness, the waviness can be characterized by a size in each of the width x, height y and thickness z dimensions, as well as a density of the surface irregularities. Herein, the term lay refers to a direction of a predominant surface pattern, including, e.g., a patterned arrangement caused by roughness, waviness, or both.

In some embodiments, a texture defined by waviness is formed in the upper and lower texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b>, and then a surface roughness is formed on top of the waviness. For example, a longitudinally extending bump can extend across the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> in the height y direction. A series of such bumps can be formed across the width x direction of the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> to form waves. The waves can then be roughened with surface irregularities smaller than the bumps to incorporate two types of textures with height y oriented lay in the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b>.

According to some embodiments, the texture can include a pattern in the roughness, waviness or lay, or combinations thereof. For example, the above described waviness from longitudinal bumps can be in a periodic pattern defined by the spacing of the bumps across the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> in the width x direction, while the surface roughness can include zig-zag arrangements of surface irregularities to produce texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> having a compound texture pattern. However, In some embodiments, the texture can include a uniform distribution of surface irregularities to provide a texture defined by roughness according to the size, shape and density of the surface irregularities. Other combinations of surface roughness, waviness and lay are contemplated to provide texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> that uniquely identify the transaction card <b>20</b> by touch.

In some embodiments, to facilitate easy recognition by touch, the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> have a same texture pattern that is defined by surface roughness, and not waviness or lay. While defining texture by just one of surface roughness, waviness and lay reduces the degrees of freedom for uniquely identifying a card, it also reduces complexity, making the texture easier to identify. Thus, in some embodiments, the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> are textured to identify, e.g., the card issuer, such as, e.g., an issuing bank or financial services organization. Thus, a user can quickly and easily identify the transaction card <b>20</b> as, e.g., “the Capital One™” card in the user's selection of cards.

However, in some embodiments, the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> can be textured based on, e.g., a type of card, such as a credit card, debit card, gift card, or other transaction card. In some embodiments, the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> are personalized such that every transaction card <b>20</b> in the user's selection has a unique texture configuration according to the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b>. Thus, the texture of the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> may be unique to a user's selection of transaction cards <b>20</b>, even though the texture may not be unique to all transaction cards <b>20</b> of all users. Furthermore, the user may customize the texture according to a desired texture pattern. For example, a user may prefer a surface roughness forming, e.g., spirals or concentric circles, on one transaction card <b>20</b>, and, e.g., squares or diamonds on another.

In some embodiments, the upper texture strip <b>202</b> and the lower texture strip <b>204</b> may include the same or different textures. The combination of a texture of the upper texture strip <b>202</b> and a texture of the lower texture strip <b>204</b> may be used to identify the transaction card <b>20</b>. However, in some embodiments, to facilitate quickly finding the transaction card <b>20</b>, both the upper texture strip <b>202</b> and the lower texture strip <b>204</b> may have a same texture with a same pattern of texture elements, e.g., surface roughness, waviness and lay. Where the upper texture strip <b>202</b> and the lower texture strip <b>104</b> have the same texture, the texture for the transaction card <b>20</b> can be easily determine irrespective of an orientation of the transaction card <b>20</b>, e.g., in a user's wallet, bag or pocket.

In some embodiments, to further facilitate quick and easy discovery of the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b>, and thus quick and easy identification of the transaction card <b>20</b>, the upper and lower texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> can have dimensions in the width x and height y directions that are configured to provide easy detections and sufficient space to discern the texture patterns. For example, some embodiments include an upper texture strip <b>202</b> and/or lower texture strip <b>204</b> extending across an entirety of the back face <b>22</b> with a width is the height y of a suitable size for tactile identification of the upper texture strip <b>202</b> and/or lower texture strip <b>204</b> against front face <b>22</b> using, e.g., one finger. Examples of the width may include a width in the range of between, e.g., about 1/10 inch and about 2 inches. However, other sizes are contemplated such that the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> do not interfere with the tactile expiration date identifier <b>210</b>, tactile security code <b>212</b> or the payment enabling mechanism <b>216</b>. For example, because the texture can include a waviness and/or surface roughness, a texture strip overlapping the payment enabling mechanism <b>216</b> may obstruct the use of the payment enabling mechanism <b>216</b> by a payment action. Thus, the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> may have a size and location that does not overlap with the payment enabling mechanism <b>216</b>. The width x and height y of each of the upper and lower texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> may be the same or they may be different. In some embodiments, there is only an upper texture strip <b>202</b>. In some embodiments there is only a lower texture strip <b>204</b>. In some embodiments, there is a third, fourth, fifth, or other suitable number of texture strips in addition to the upper and lower texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b>.

Moreover, the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> and the textures thereof may have a size and location that fits within a card reader that uses the payment enabling mechanism <b>214</b> to complete a transaction upon a payment action, such as insertion of the transaction card <b>20</b> into the card reader, such as, e.g., an automated teller machine (ATM), point-of-service terminal with a chip reader or magnetic strip reader, or other card reading device.

In some embodiments, there is only one texture strip, such as, e.g., only the upper texture strip <b>202</b>, only the lower texture strip <b>204</b>, or a texture strip that is centrally located. While the texture strips <b>202</b> and <b>204</b> are depicted as extending across the transaction card <b>20</b> in a length direction x, other embodiments include texture strips that extend across the transaction card <b>20</b> in a height y direction. Other orientations and combinations of orientations of the texture strips are contemplated to facilitate quick and efficient recognition of the identifying texture. Moreover, while the back face <b>22</b> is depicted as having all of the upper texture strip <b>202</b>, expiration date identifier <b>206</b>, tactile expiration date identifier <b>210</b>, security code <b>208</b>, tactile security code <b>212</b>, lower texture strip <b>204</b> and payment enabling mechanism <b>214</b>, some or all of these features may be disposed on a front face, opposite to the back face <b>22</b>, or may not be present at all.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates a diagram of a texture strip for a transaction card with tactile identifying features in accordance with one or more example embodiments.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a transaction card <b>30</b> includes at least one texture strip <b>302</b> having a texture pattern <b>320</b> on a first face <b>31</b> of the transaction card <b>30</b> that is different from a base texture of a surface of the first face <b>31</b>. The transaction card <b>30</b> may additionally have a second face <b>32</b> separated from the first face <b>31</b> by a body <b>33</b> of the transaction card <b>30</b>. In an embodiment, the texture pattern <b>320</b> is formed on the surface of the first face <b>31</b> by an additive process to raise the texture pattern <b>320</b> above a plane formed by the surface of the first face <b>31</b> for easier discovery and recognition of the textures formed thereon. For example, the texture pattern <b>320</b> can be formed by, e.g., additive manufacturing, such as, three-dimensional (3D) printing, or by application of textured adhesives, patterning of epoxies and other liquid polymers and then curing the liquid polymer, or other additive process to form the texture pattern <b>320</b> on the first face <b>31</b>.

In some embodiments, the texture strip <b>302</b> is formed from the texture pattern <b>320</b> used to identify the transaction card <b>30</b>. The texture pattern <b>320</b> can be defined by one or more of various attributes related to deviations from the plane formed by the first face <b>31</b> of the transaction card <b>30</b>. For example, the texture pattern <b>320</b> can include a degree of roughness, a degree of waviness, a lay, and patterns of variation thereof across the texture strip <b>302</b>. Herein, the term roughness refers to total spaced surface irregularities, such as, e.g., grains <b>322</b> of material deposited on to the first face <b>31</b>. The grains <b>322</b> can include a size in each of the width x, height y and thickness z dimensions, as well as a density of surface irregularities, each of which can be varied to adjust roughness. Herein, the term waviness refers to surface irregularities with a spacing greater than that of surface roughness, such as, e.g., warps, deflections, waves, among other surface deflections deposited on the first face <b>31</b> such as, e.g., bumps <b>324</b> covering a larger area than the grains <b>322</b> causing roughness. Similar to roughness, the waviness can be characterized by a size in each of the width x, height y and thickness z dimensions, as well as a density of the bumps <b>324</b>. Herein, the term lay refers to a direction of a predominant surface pattern, including, e.g., a patterned arrangement caused by roughness, waviness, or both.

In some embodiments, a texture pattern <b>320</b> defined by waviness is deposited on an area of the texture strip <b>302</b>, and then a surface roughness is formed on top of the waviness by depositing grains <b>322</b> on the bumps <b>324</b>. For example, a bump <b>324</b> can be printed onto the area of the texture strip <b>302</b> on the first face <b>31</b>, including a shape having a height in the thickness z direction, and a length and width in directions parallel to a plane of the first face <b>31</b>. A series of such bumps <b>324</b> can be printed across the texture strip <b>302</b> to form a waviness pattern. The waves can then be roughened through the deposition of grains <b>322</b> smaller than the bumps <b>324</b> to incorporate two aspects of texture to form a compound texture pattern <b>320</b> from the patterns of both the bumps <b>324</b> and the grains <b>322</b>.

According to some embodiments, the texture pattern <b>320</b> can include a pattern in the roughness, waviness or lay, or combinations thereof. For example, the above described waviness from bumps <b>324</b> can be in a periodic pattern defined by the spacing of the bumps <b>324</b> across the texture strip <b>302</b>, while the grains <b>322</b> can be deposited in zig-zag arrangements to produce the texture strip <b>302</b> having a compound texture pattern of zig-zagging grains <b>322</b> over a uniform distribution of bumps <b>324</b>. However, in some embodiments, the texture pattern <b>320</b> can include a uniform distribution of grains <b>322</b> to provide a texture defined by roughness according to the size, shape and density of the grains <b>322</b>, and patterns formed thereof. In another embodiment, the texture pattern <b>320</b> can be defined by only the bumps <b>324</b> according to the size, shape and density of the bumps <b>324</b>, and patterns formed thereof. Other combinations of surface roughness, waviness and lay are contemplated to provide the texture strip <b>302</b> that uniquely identify the transaction card <b>30</b> by touch.

In some embodiments, to facilitate easy recognition by touch, the texture strip <b>302</b> has a texture pattern <b>320</b> pattern that is defined by only one of, e.g., surface roughness, waviness and lay. While defining texture by just one of surface roughness, waviness and lay reduces the degrees of freedom for uniquely identifying the transaction card <b>30</b>, it also reduces complexity, making the texture pattern <b>320</b> easier to identify. Thus, in some embodiments, the texture strip <b>302</b> is textured to identify, e.g., the card issuer, such as, e.g., an issuing bank or financial services organization. Thus, a user can quickly and easily identify the transaction card <b>30</b> as, e.g., “the Capital One™” card in the user's selection of cards.

However, in some embodiments, the texture strip <b>302</b> can be textured based on, e.g., a type of card, such as a credit card, debit card, gift card, or other transaction card. In some embodiments, the texture strip <b>302</b> is personalized such that every transaction card <b>30</b> in the user's selection has a unique texture configuration according to the texture strip <b>302</b>. Thus, the texture pattern <b>320</b> of the texture strip <b>302</b> may be unique to a user's selection of transaction cards <b>30</b>, even though the texture pattern <b>320</b> may not be unique to all transaction cards <b>30</b> of all users. Furthermore, the user may customize the texture pattern <b>320</b> according to a desired texture pattern. For example, a user may prefer grains <b>322</b> forming, e.g., spirals or concentric circles, on one transaction card <b>30</b>, and, e.g., squares or diamonds on another. In some embodiments, the patterns can be formed by varying the density of, e.g., bumps <b>324</b> and grains <b>322</b> according to a predefined pattern. For example, a circular pattern can be formed by depositing greater numbers of grains <b>322</b> along a perimeter of circle on the first face <b>31</b> to alter the surface roughness to define the perimeter of a circle. Similarly, patterns can be formed from bumps <b>324</b> by increasing the concentration of the bumps <b>324</b> according to the predetermined shapes of the pattern.

In some embodiments, the texture strip <b>302</b> and the texture pattern <b>320</b> thereof may have a size and location that fits within a card reader that uses a payment enabling mechanism to complete a transaction upon insertion of the transaction card <b>30</b> into the card reader, such as, e.g., an automated teller machine (ATM), point-of-service terminal with a chip reader or magnetic strip reader, or other card reading device. Thus, a height of the texture pattern <b>320</b> in the thickness z direction can be maintained below a height above the first face <b>31</b> to facilitate insertion and removal of the transaction card <b>30</b> with respect to, e.g., a payment reader, an ATM, a wallet, or other device.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates a diagram of a texture strip for a transaction card with tactile identifying features in accordance with one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a transaction card <b>40</b> includes at least one texture strip <b>402</b> having a texture pattern <b>420</b> below a surface of a first face <b>41</b> of the transaction card <b>40</b> that is different from a base texture of a surface of the first face <b>41</b>. The first face <b>41</b> may be opposite to a second face <b>42</b> with respect to a body <b>43</b> of the transaction card <b>40</b>. In an embodiment, the texture pattern <b>420</b> is formed in the first face <b>41</b> by a subtractive process to recess the texture pattern <b>420</b> below a plane formed by the surface of the first face <b>41</b> for easier discovery and recognition of the textures formed therein. For example, the texture pattern <b>420</b> can be formed by, e.g., etching, press molding, embossing or other subtractive process to form the texture pattern <b>420</b> below the first face <b>41</b>.

In some embodiments, the texture strip <b>402</b> is formed from the texture pattern <b>420</b> used to identify the transaction card <b>40</b>. The texture pattern <b>420</b> can be defined by one or more of various attributes related to deviations from the plane formed by the first face <b>41</b> of the transaction card <b>40</b>. For example, the texture pattern <b>420</b> can include a degree of roughness, a degree of waviness, a lay, and patterns of variation thereof across the texture strip <b>402</b>. Herein, the term roughness refers to total spaced surface irregularities, such as, e.g., dimples <b>422</b> of material etched from the first face <b>41</b>. The dimples <b>422</b> can include a size in each of the width x, height y and thickness z dimensions, as well as a density of surface irregularities, each of which can be varied to adjust roughness. Herein, the term waviness refers to surface irregularities with a spacing greater than that of surface roughness, such as, e.g., warps, deflections, waves, among other surface deflections, e.g., embossed on the first face <b>41</b> such as, e.g., bumps <b>424</b> covering a larger area than the dimples <b>422</b> causing roughness. Similar to roughness, the waviness can be characterized by a size in each of the width x, height y and thickness z dimensions, as well as a density of the bumps <b>424</b>. Herein, the term lay refers to a direction of a predominant surface pattern, including, e.g., a patterned arrangement caused by roughness, waviness, or both.

In some embodiments, a texture pattern <b>420</b> defined by waviness is embossed into an area of the texture strip <b>402</b>, and then a surface roughness is formed on top of the waviness by etching gr dimples <b>422</b> into the bumps <b>424</b>. For example, a bump <b>424</b> can be embossed into the area of the texture strip <b>402</b> on the first face <b>41</b> with a press mold, including a shape having a height in the thickness z direction, and a length and width in directions parallel to a plane of the first face <b>41</b>. A series of such bumps <b>424</b> can be embossed across the texture strip <b>402</b> to form a waviness pattern. The waves can then be roughened through the etching of dimples <b>422</b> smaller than the bumps <b>424</b> to incorporate two aspects of texture to form a compound texture pattern <b>420</b> from the patterns of both the bumps <b>424</b> and the dimples <b>422</b>.

According to some embodiments, the texture pattern <b>420</b> can include a pattern in the roughness, waviness or lay, or combinations thereof. For example, the above described waviness from bumps <b>424</b> can be in a periodic pattern defined by the spacing of the bumps <b>424</b> across the texture strip <b>402</b>, while the dimples <b>422</b> can be etched in zig-zag arrangements to produce the texture strip <b>402</b> having a compound texture pattern of zig-zagging dimples <b>422</b> in a uniform distribution of bumps <b>424</b>. However, In some embodiments, the texture pattern <b>420</b> can include a uniform distribution of dimples <b>422</b> to provide a texture defined by roughness according to the size, shape and density of the dimples <b>422</b>, and patterns formed thereof. In another embodiment, the texture pattern <b>420</b> can be defined by only the bumps <b>424</b> according to the size, shape and density of the bumps <b>424</b>, and patterns formed thereof. Other combinations of surface roughness, waviness and lay are contemplated to provide the texture strip <b>402</b> that uniquely identifies the transaction card <b>40</b> by touch.

In some embodiments, to facilitate easy recognition by touch, the texture strip <b>402</b> has a texture pattern <b>420</b> pattern that is defined by only one of, e.g., surface roughness, waviness and lay. While defining texture by just one of surface roughness, waviness and lay reduces the degrees of freedom for uniquely identifying the transaction card <b>40</b>, it also reduces complexity, making the texture pattern <b>420</b> easier to identify. Thus, in some embodiments, the texture strip <b>402</b> is textured to identify, e.g., the card issuer, such as, e.g., an issuing bank or financial services organization. Thus, a user can quickly and easily identify the transaction card <b>40</b> as, e.g., “the Capital One™” card in the user's selection of cards.

However, in some embodiments, the texture strip <b>402</b> can be textured based on, e.g., a type of card, such as a credit card, debit card, gift card, or other transaction card. In some embodiments, the texture strip <b>402</b> is personalized such that every transaction card <b>40</b> in the user's selection has a unique texture configuration according to the texture strip <b>402</b>. Thus, the texture pattern <b>420</b> of the texture strip <b>402</b> may be unique to a user's selection of transaction cards <b>40</b>, even though the texture pattern <b>420</b> may not be unique to all transaction cards <b>40</b> of all users. Furthermore, the user may customize the texture pattern <b>420</b> according to a desired texture pattern. For example, a user may prefer dimples <b>422</b> forming, e.g., spirals or concentric circles, on one transaction card <b>40</b>, and, e.g., squares or diamonds on another. In some embodiments, the patterns can be formed by varying the density of, e.g., bumps <b>424</b> and dimples <b>422</b> according to a predefined pattern. For example, a circular pattern can be formed by etching greater numbers of dimples <b>422</b> along a perimeter of circle on the first face <b>41</b> to alter the surface roughness to define the perimeter of a circle. Similarly, patterns can be formed from bumps <b>424</b> by increasing the concentration of the bumps <b>424</b> according to the predetermined shapes of the pattern.

While one or more embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is understood that these embodiments are example only, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including that various embodiments of the inventive methodologies, the inventive systems/platforms, and the inventive devices described herein can be utilized in any combination with each other. Further still, the various steps may be carried out in any desired order (and any desired steps may be added and/or any desired steps may be eliminated).